Does vitamin D and Exposure to Sunlight Improve My Fertility?

If you're a couple trying to conceive, you will undoubtedly do whatever it takes to improve your chances of bringing a healthy baby into this world. In some cases, accomplishing this goal may mean including certain dietary supplements into your day-to-day routine. There is strong scientific evidence that supports the use of supplements like vitamin D, for example, as a means of increasing the likelihood of conceiving. Having a vitamin D level that is within a normal range is critical to your overall health. However, it is especially important when it comes to fertility and improving your odds of conceiving. In this article, we detail 5 things that every couple should know relative to vitamin D and fertility.

Why it is important to have your vitamin D level checked

Studies have shown that being deficient in vitamin D can result in a low sperm count as well as poor sperm function in men. Vitamin D deficiency can also contribute to a poor embryo implantation rate. All in all, insufficient vitamin D can significantly lower a couple's chances for conceiving. It should be noted, however, that many men and women do not know what their vitamin D level is. That said, the first step towards conceiving should be to schedule an appointment with a physician to have your vitamin D levels checked. If your vitamin D level measures lower than 30 ng/mL, your physician will likely recommend taking vitamin D supplements. According to the National Institute of Health, taking 2,000 to 4,000 IU of vitamin D every day can help normalize one's vitamin D levels. However, even with increasing one daily intake of vitamin D, it can take as long as 90 days before optimal levels are achieved.

Vitamin D and Fertility in Women

If you're a woman trying to conceive naturally, you will be happy to know that higher vitamin D levels can significantly improve your odds of conceiving. In fact, studies show that average to above average D levels in the ovaries can lead to an improved rate of embryo implantation. It can also go a long way towards improving the outcome of IVF (in vitro fertilization). It is also worth noting that optimal vitamin D levels have been shown to contribute to higher IVF pregnancy rates and, more importantly, live birth rates. That said, women are encouraged to maintain their vitamin D levels throughout the course of their pregnancy, as it ensures their babies are born healthy. To put this all into context, women who are vitamin D deficient are more likely to experience the following complications:

• Babies born with infections
• Gestational diabetes
• Preterm births

In light of these findings, many physicians will advise expecting mothers to take anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 IU of vitamin D while pregnant. Fortunately, many of the prenatal vitamins on the market can give women a good head start, as many of them contain as much as 1,000 IU of vitamin D.

Vitamin D and fertility in men

When it comes to fertility and conceiving, most of the focus aimed toward women; however, fertility problems in men can make conceiving difficult as well. To that point, it is just as important for men to maintain a healthy vitamin D level. According to a study published in the National Institute of Health, the primary federal agency responsible for conducting and supporting medical research, there is a correlation between a man's vitamin D levels and his ability to produce healthy sperm that contributes to a woman's pregnancy. This general premise applies to intercourse as well as ovulation induction. The study also showed that optimal vitamin D levels led to improved semen quality as well as sperm motility, which, in turn, increased the probability of pregnancy. However, similar to women, men must maintain an optimal vitamin D level while trying to conceive.

What is the takeaway?

In summation, trying to conceive is a team effort that requires the male and female to be healthy. Of course, this means achieving and maintaining optimal vitamin D levels. While ample amounts of vitamin D can be derived from sunlight, some people may not be able to reap the benefits, especially those with darker skin. Studies show that individuals with dark skin will need to spend significantly more time in the sun to achieve the same level of vitamin as those with lighter skin. That said, it would be a good idea to consume foods rich in vitamin D like fatty fish and dairy products, for example, or by taking supplements. It is also a good idea to schedule routine checkups with your doctor, who can assess not only your vitamin D levels, but also your overall health.